CBM CBM Inhalation Injury & Respiratory Management

Question 1

Which clinical finding is the most reliable early indicator of inhalation injury in a burn patient?

Accepted Answer

Singed nasal hairs and eyebrows

Answer

Peripheral cyanosis

Answer

Low SpO2 on pulse oximetry

Answer

Audible wheezing

Question 2

Why is standard pulse oximetry unreliable in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?

Accepted Answer

It overestimates oxygen saturation because it cannot distinguish oxyhemoglobin from carboxyhemoglobin

Answer

It underestimates saturation due to skin discoloration

Answer

CO interferes with the infrared LED

Answer

It only measures venous oxygen

Question 3

What is the first-line treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning in a burn patient?

Accepted Answer

100% high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask

Answer

Hyperbaric oxygen immediately

Answer

Nebulized bronchodilators

Answer

IV sodium bicarbonate

Question 4

Subglottic inhalation injuries typically result from which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Inhalation of superheated steam or toxic chemical gases

Answer

Direct flame contact to the face

Answer

Thermal burns below the vocal cords from dry hot air

Answer

Aspiration of liquid smoke

Question 5

When should early prophylactic intubation be considered in an inhalation injury patient?

Accepted Answer

Signs of stridor, hoarseness, or progressive facial and oropharyngeal edema

Answer

SpO2 below 95% on room air

Answer

Presence of carbonaceous sputum alone

Answer

Any patient with burns over 10% TBSA

Question 6

Which ventilation strategy is recommended for inhalation injury patients to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury?

Accepted Answer

Low tidal volume (6 mL/kg IBW) with permissive hypercapnia

Answer

High tidal volume to maximize CO2 clearance

Answer

High PEEP with tidal volumes of 10–12 mL/kg

Answer

Pressure-controlled ventilation at high rates